INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Republican Party said Wednesday that
Chairman Eric Holcomb and several other of its top leaders are stepping down
to pursue other endeavors, having served through the transition from the
state’s longtime Republican governor to its current one.

Former Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, who represents the state on the Republican
National Committee, is leaving to focus more on the economic development job
with Radius. Vice Chair Sandi Huddleston, a veteran party operative,
Treasurer Peter Deputy and Executive Director Justin Garrett also are
leaving their posts within the party.

"This service ranks as one of the best experiences of my life. I have
enjoyed giving it my all and yet always realized I received so much more out
of the endeavor than I ever invested in it,” Holcomb said in a statement.

The departing group worked closely with Gov. Mitch Daniels over the last
eight years to build the party into a dominant force in state politics. Gov.
Mike Pence had asked Holcomb to stay on while he grasped the reins of the
party, and the state. The new governor will now be tasked with picking a new
party chairman.

Republicans had mixed success in last year’s election, holding the
governor’s office and building a supermajority in the Indiana House of
Representatives. However, Democrats won a U.S. Senate seat and the state
school superintendent’s office.

Craig Dunn, the party’s 4th District Chairman, said 2013 is the best time
for rebuilding the party ranks because of the lack of an election this year.

“I liken it to the University of Louisville and having your five starters
all signed by the NBA,” Dunn said.